Melbourne: Bangladeshi Shakib Al Hasan, who is ranked the World’s Number One Twenty20 all-rounder, has signed to play for Melbourne Renegades in the second half of Australia’s T20 Big Bash League season.
The 27 year old has replaced all-rounder Andre Russell, who will join up with the West Indies One Day International (ODI) squad in South Africa.
Having already played for the Adelaide Strikers last season, Shakib is accustomed to playing in the Big Bash.
Earlier in 2014, Shakib was banned by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) from playing in foreign leagues, citing an “attitude” problem. The ban was, however, lifted two weeks ago and the Renegades were quick to rope in the all-rounder.
Regenades’ coach Simon Helmot said he is looking forward to having Shakib in the squad for matches at the beginning of next year.
“Shakib is a great fit for our squad in January and we’re looking forward to having him on board,” Helmot said on Wednesday.
“We were looking for someone who could contribute across the board for us and, being able to call on the top-ranked T20 all-rounder in the world is a terrific boost. He brings plenty of experience and a cool head under pressure.”
Shakib’s first chance to be selected will be the match away to Hobart Hurricanes on January 7.
